Dumped Anderson ponders legal action

Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson says he will consider taking legal action after being sacked from his $400,000-a-season job with the Cronulla Sharks.

The club's board told Anderson he was being dismissed after summoning him to a meeting on Monday night, bringing the curtain down on his turbulent two-year relationship with the National Rugby League side.

Anderson was under contract for next season, with an option for two more years if the Sharks made the 2004 finals series.

Now the sacked coach has left open the option of a legal challenge to the cancellation of his lucrative contract.

"I'll take some time to discuss this with my wife, family and legal advisors," he said.

"I don't feel as if I've been given a fair go, obviously I will now have to consider the next steps I take for my future.

"The club has a healthy player book and I would have enjoyed helping the players and the club achieve their potential in 2004."

Anderson's job was put on the line after he incurred his third breach notice before leaving on the recent Kangaroos tour to New Zealand and Europe.

The coach had the support of several leading Sharks' players, but had several disputes with the club's management last season - including one involving the sacking of his son from the playing list.

Club chairman Barry Pierce said the decision to sack Anderson had not been an easy one.

"However, the decision was made in what the board considers to be in the best interests of the Sharks," he said.

Former Wigan coach and Cronulla player Stuart Raper is considered a strong chance to move up from his current assistant coach role to replace Anderson.